George Washington

George Washington (www.solarnavigator.net/.../george_washington.htm)

What is your definition of a hero? Is it someone who takes risks knowing the cost? Is it someone who will never give up despite hurtful words and threats to stride toward what they believe in? Is it someone who inspires others to walk in their footsteps each and every day just by being themselves? All of those definitions fall under one category in my eyes. My hero was our first leader, our first recognized president. His name is George Washington. George Washington stood up for what he believed in and never gave up. That determination and perseverance made him a general in the Revolutionary War and eventually gave him the title “The Father of Our Country.” Even though times were hard for him, he still came out on top.

To begin with, George Washington early years were very interesting. He was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County Virginia. In his childhood, George Washington was taught manners and virtues that served him well later in life. He was a well-mannered young man despite hardships including the death of his father and half-brother. He inherited the mansion that his family lived in. Moving on with his life, George Washington went on to become a war hero along with a freedom hero.

Another reason George Washington is my hero is he was a very bold man to charge into war, not once, but twice in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Starting in the small scuffles that escalated into the French and Indian War, George Washington’s upper-classmen soon respected his ability to pick up new skills despite being short of experience and having a bit of a rash nature. In the French and Indian War, he was one of the luckiest men out on the war field. He escaped injury despite having 4 bullets shot through his coat. I think fate kept him safe through the battles since he was destined for great things. Even as the French killed many of his men and forced a retreat, he wouldn’t lose hope on his small fort. He risked his life many times to ensure that one day, the freedom he had been fighting for would not lose the battle. In the American Revolution, his old instinct brought him back on the battleground to again fight for independence. His most famous feat in the Revolution would be crossing the Delaware River. He was taking a huge risk and gambling the lives of every soldier by planning a sneak attack on the British at night. To cross the river was very dangerous because it was partially frozen and icy. Fortunately, thanks to Washington, all 2000 soldiers made it across and proudly marched to the British camp. Washington was a brave military and freedom hero.

The most important factor in Washington’s life was his presidential career. He was the 1st recognized president and appropriately named “The Father of Our Country”. After both wars, he saw the nation was suffering under the Articles of Confederation, a simpler version of the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation were weakening the central government. Washington noticed this and seized an opportunity to help. He moved to Philadelphia where he had the Articles ratified and was a key part in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. With the new laws under way George Washington was elected President of the United States. Seeing how the wars had damaged the nation, his first act as president was to become neutral until they could recover. Unfortunately, two groups were forming, and feeling old and weary George Washington retired at the end of his first term. Sadly, he died of a throat infection three years later in his home on Mt. Vernon.

In conclusion, George Washington is my hero for many reasons including his willingness to sacrifice himself for what he believed in. He had to get what he wanted; no more, no less than the freedom and fairness he fought for in 2 wars and a presidential career. He is my hero and I look up to him, trying to walk in his footsteps and be a fraction of the person he was. If I accomplish that, part of my life will be a bit brighter, the world a little bit better. George Washington was one of the bravest and most heroic people in American history. Because of his early years and specialty in wars, he became the 1st president and saved the nation from the weak laws. George Washington is my idol and my hero.